Penguins give "beautiful stones" to their preferred partners.
This story seems to have come straight out of a picture book. However, from an ecological perspective, this act transcends romance; it is a form of "construction technique" that has been honed as a strategy for survival in the harsh conditions of Antarctica. During the breeding season, male Gentoo penguins meticulously collect smooth, flat pebbles. The primary requirement is not the sparkle that catches the eye but the functionality of improving drainage and stabilizing the nesting site, shaped by ice and wind. In other words, they are not searching for jewels but for "optimized rubble" to protect their eggs and chicks.
The process of stacking these carefully selected stones in multiple layers serves as the most significant appeal to females. The meticulous path of the stones conveys a silent message: "I will weather any storm to protect my precious family." Each stone represents a thoughtful effort to safeguard life, functioning with a precision that is far more intricate and reliable than humans might assume.